Château L'Escarelle, Croix d'Engardin Rosé, AOP Coteaux Varois en Provence, 2021

Producer Profile

Chateau de L’Escarelle of one of the most prestigious wine estates in the heart of Provence, with 100 hectares of organically certified vineyards set in 1,000 hectares of beautiful woodland.

In the past year this property has made impressive steps to establish itself as a major player of sustainable agriculture in France. In 2016 the estate achieved Haute Valeur Environnementale certification (France’s most stringent environmental certification scheme, level 3), demonstrating their deep-rooted commitment to protecting the natural world. Their vines are planted at up to 500 metres above sea level, hugging the slopes of the Montagne de La Loube and adapting to the estates' clay and limestone soil profile. The terroir’s distinctive character is perfect for creating highly-expressive, elegant Rosé wines.

Viticulture

The flagship of the Estate’s wines, each bottle is individually numbered. This is the finest expression of the amazing terroir. On the slopes of one of the steepest, craggiest hills on the estate, the medieval-era Knights Templar built a fort that can be seen to this day. To commemorate the builders, the very finest wine bears the famous cross of the Order of the Knights Templar. Over a number of years, they have patiently selected grapes from the most expressive plots of the estate and thus created a flagship wine.

Winemaking

Exclusively harvested by hand and transported in crates. Grapes are sorted at each individual stage of the harvest and are selected and picked at the point of optimal ripeness. Gentle pressing cycle and cold stabilization over a period of several weeks before fermentation. The wine is vinified and kept on fine lees to really bring out the aromatic character of the wine.

Oak Ageing

No oak ageing

Tasting Note

Aromas of fresh wild strawberry fruit, supported by pear, acacia blossom and white fruit notes on the palate.

Food Matching

Perfect for sophisticated aperitifs, southern French dishes, Mediterranean fish dishes and quality grilled meats.

Awards

James Suckling 92 Points
Pale apricot color with aromas of cherry stones, cherry blossoms, red apples and rosemary. Concentrated and flavorful with a medium body and bright acidity. Crunchy and deliciously fruity, while remaining elegant. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. 90 Points, JS, April 2022.
The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
The wine comes from a steep vineyard covering a site that once housed a fort of the Knights Templar. This perfumed blend of Syrah and Grenache is rich and packed with wild strawberry and pepper flavors. It's a fine wine, ready to drink from late 2022. Organic. 92 Points, RV, January 2022.